Industry unites to tackle wellness issues during UK Event Wellbeing Week

A career in events was cited as the fifth most stressful job in 2016, with one in four experiencing a mental health issue every year. To combat these alarming statistics and raise awareness of wellbeing, a group of industry professionals have founded the UK Event Wellbeing Week (EventWell), taking place from 18-22 September.

The campaign will launch on 18 September at No 4 Hamilton Place with an introduction, a yoga session and a healthy breakfast on the venue’s terrace.

Industry associations such as ABPCO, HBAA and ILEA have backed the movement, raising the topic within their respective memberships. The BVEP has also endorsed the campaign, sending a wellbeing survey to its stakeholders.

BVEP Vice Chair Samme Allen said: “There was an overwhelming response by the partnership to support this initiative at the last meeting. Already our partners are reaching out to their membership to disrupt and create positive impact around wellbeing and mental health.”

The EventWell website features an online wellbeing survey, a blog and new articles on the topic, as well as useful guides and resources to support event professionals. There are also links to professional support, as well as a dedicated support line and email for those looking for confidential help.

Events scheduled to take place during the week include wellbeing debates and sessions with #EventPlannersTalk, EventHuddle, Event First Steps and Eventprofs Who Lunch (EWL), in addition to a boot camp and picnic education session with ILEA, a book launch and a series of mental health and stress management talks by experts.

EventWell Co-founder and EWL Managing Director Helen Moon commented: “We are encouraging all individuals and organisations to get involved and back the EventWell campaign. Early findings from our current survey have indicated the importance of launching a national event wellbeing week and how coming together as an industry is imperative to raising awareness, ending stigma and ensuring that as many people as possible are educated on how to spot the early warnings signs of ill health, both mental and physical.”

All event professionals, individuals, associations and organisations can support the campaign by sharing best practise, committing to change and taking part in the campaign week itself by hosting an event.

For further information, visit eventwell.org.